The music world was sent into overdrive as Bono and Imagine Dragons officially unveiled plans for their explosive 2026 “Light & Thunder” World Tour, a historic co-headlining venture that brings together two generations of stadium-dominating performers. The announcement came through a cinematic trailer featuring both acts sharing a stage for the first time, hinting at a groundbreaking fusion of their distinct sounds. Fans from around the globe erupted in excitement as the official tour dates and cities were revealed, confirming months of speculation about a potential collaboration.
For Bono, this tour represents both a bold step forward and a bridge back to his roots. U2’s legendary frontman, known for his commanding stage presence and poetic lyricism, expressed that the tour aims to “connect the timeless with the electric, the past with the pulse of now.” Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds echoed the sentiment, calling the collaboration “a dream that merges classic rock storytelling with modern energy in a way fans have never experienced before.” The partnership has been described by insiders as ambitious, both musically and logistically, with plans to deliver one of the most visually and emotionally immersive live experiences ever staged.
The tour kicks off on March 20, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a massive North American leg. From there, the show will travel to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 26, Soldier Field in Chicago on April 2, MetLife Stadium in New York City on April 8, and Rogers Centre in Toronto on April 15. Each performance will feature separate sets from Bono and Imagine Dragons, followed by an unforgettable joint finale that blends anthems like “With or Without You” and “Believer” into a breathtaking spectacle of light and sound.
Europe will witness the magic next, beginning May 5 at Wembley Stadium in London. The tour will then sweep through iconic venues such as Stade de France in Paris (May 12), Olympiastadion in Berlin (May 18), San Siro in Milan (May 25), and culminate in a triumphant return to Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 1, where Bono is expected to deliver one of the most emotional performances of the tour. These European shows are already generating massive ticket pre-registration numbers, signaling what could become one of the fastest-selling tours in modern history.
After Europe, the duo will head to South America for a late summer leg designed to ignite some of the most passionate crowds in the world. Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium (June 15), Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental (June 21), and Santiago’s Estadio Nacional (June 28) are all confirmed stops. Sources close to the production have hinted that these performances will lean heavily into rhythm, percussion, and collaborative segments that celebrate the cultural vibrancy of each host city.
Asia and Oceania are next on the map, beginning September 3 at the Tokyo Dome, followed by Seoul’s Olympic Stadium on September 10, Accor Stadium in Sydney on September 18, and Eden Park in Auckland on September 25. These shows will mark Imagine Dragons’ largest-ever performances in Asia, while Bono’s presence is expected to draw multi-generational audiences eager to see this unique musical fusion live. Exclusive tour merchandise and special edition vinyl collaborations will also be released in each region, making these stops even more special for fans and collectors.
The grand finale is set for October 10, 2026, at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, a city chosen for its symbolic resonance with unity and resilience. The closing night is planned as a global livestream event, reaching millions worldwide. The finale will feature extended setlists, guest appearances, and a powerful collaborative encore that’s rumored to include a brand-new joint single titled “Echoes of Light,” written specifically for this tour.
Behind the scenes, production designers are working on a 360° immersive stage that combines U2’s iconic arena visuals with Imagine Dragons’ LED-heavy, high-energy aesthetic. The result is a panoramic light dome that envelopes the audience, making them part of the performance rather than mere spectators. Each show will also feature local youth choirs and young artists, reinforcing the tour’s message of unity and generational collaboration.
Music critics have already begun labeling the “Light & Thunder” tour as potentially one of the defining live events of the decade. By blending Bono’s seasoned artistry with Imagine Dragons’ contemporary firepower, the tour promises to appeal to a wide demographic—from lifelong U2 followers to new-age fans raised on streaming and festival culture. It’s not just a concert; it’s shaping up to be a cultural milestone.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in late November 2025, with fan club pre-sales launching earlier that month. Industry insiders are predicting near-instant sellouts, especially for major cities like London, Los Angeles, and Dublin. For millions around the world, 2026 will be remembered as the year two titans of music history stood on the same stage, united by sound, vision, and the desire to make history. The countdown has officially begun.
About the Author
